Netflix rolls out Spatial Audio for 700 movies and TV shows – and you can try it here

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Immersive sound on any device? We're listening

Netflix library
(Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix has introduced Spatial Audio to its platform, adding support to over 700 of its most popular movies and shows. This includes fan favourites like Stranger Things, The Witcher, Wednesday and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Netflix claims that its Spatial Audio system brings an "immersive, cinematic sound experience" to any device that you choose to stream on.

It's a new addition to the streaming service's premium tier subscription, and Netflix says you won't need any extra equipment to enjoy Spatial Audio on your TV, computer, phone or tablet. Spatial Audio joins the 4K/HDR picture mode, Netflix Calibrated Mode and Dolby Atmos support that already comes as part of the Premium subscription at no extra cost.

You can find Spatial Audio-enabled content by searching for "spatial audio" in the search bar on the Netflix app or website, and there's even a short demo on YouTube that you can try for yourself before upgrading your plan.

Netflix says it's committed to adding Spatial Audio to a host of its upcoming content including You, Your Place Or Mine, Luther: The Fallen Sun and Tour de France. Alongside this Spatial Audio update, Netflix has also raised the number of download devices from four to six for premium members, meaning you can download content to watch offline on even more devices.

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Lewis Empson
Senior Staff Writer

Lewis Empson is a Senior Staff Writer on What Hi-Fi?. He was previously Gaming and Digital editor for Cardiff University's 'Quench Magazine', Lewis graduated in 2021 and has since worked on a selection of lifestyle magazines and regional newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, gigs and regular cinema trips.

7 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Tonestar1
    Does anybody have any idea how an AVR with DTS X/Atmos will interpret this Spatial Audio signal? I'm wondering if it will work over standard Atmos decoding or if its going to necessitate another round of AVR upgrades to allow it to be fully decoded.
    Reply
  • nopiano
    Tonestar1 said:
    Does anybody have any idea how an AVR with DTS X/Atmos will interpret this Spatial Audio signal? I'm wondering if it will work over standard Atmos decoding or if its going to necessitate another round of AVR upgrades to allow it to be fully decoded.
    It’s not at all clear, is it? Maybe time for WHF journalists to ask some questions of Netflix?

    On my iPad it sounded like phasey stereo, just like I recall from decades ago quadrophonic trickery! Hafler wiring, anyone? :)
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    Tonestar1 said:
    Does anybody have any idea how an AVR with DTS X/Atmos will interpret this Spatial Audio signal? I'm wondering if it will work over standard Atmos decoding or if its going to necessitate another round of AVR upgrades to allow it to be fully decoded.
    My receiver sees it as Dolby Atmos.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    nopiano said:
    It’s not at all clear, is it? Maybe time for WHF journalists to ask some questions of Netflix?

    On my iPad it sounded like phasey stereo, just like I recall from decades ago quadrophonic trickery! Hafler wiring, anyone? :)
    It can sound a bit like that, I think it’s hit and miss depending on the content.
    The surround effect is more convincing though.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    Goes to show how much psychology is involved. I thought this was an improvement when watching Wednesday via an AV receiver, but it’s probably exactly the same Atmos signal.

    special audio is intended for headphones.
    Reply
  • jonny7
    Well I've tried this and cannot say I'm impressed. Sounds like stereo, but with a narrower than usual soundstage and, certainly in the Stranger Things clip, unpleasantly muffled.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    jonny7 said:
    Well I've tried this and cannot say I'm impressed. Sounds like stereo, but with a narrower than usual soundstage and, certainly in the Stranger Things clip, unpleasantly muffled.
    Yeah really is hit and miss.
    The same with Apple’s spacial audio. Sometimes it’s an improvement but frequently the fidelity suffers too much.
    Reply